Hey everyone!
I’m sure this one comes up often, but I’m seeking recommendations for a beginner-friendly book that can serve as a solid introduction and foundation for exploring Western Esotericism / Occultism and Magick. Ideally, I’d like something that balances theory and practice—covering the most essential skills like meditation, breath work, visualization, energy work, divination, invocation, etc. It should also possibly provide a clear progression path (where you advance in steps), helping to build the psychic , spiritual and magical foundations needed to approach the more advanced / complex grimoires and the other more advanced magical traditions with confidence.
I’ve heard great things about Initiation into Hermetics by Franz Bardon, and I’m considering starting from there. It seems to cover much of what I’m looking for in terms of a structured and comprehensive all-around guide, but I’m unsure if it’s a book designed for beginners.
In the past, I worked partially through The Inner Temple of Witchcraft by Christopher Penczak, and I've also done some of the GoM ritual workings. I respect the traditional witchcraft tradition, but I’ve found that it wasn’t the best fit for me. I’m more interested in something rooted in the broader you Western Esoteric Tradition , something more “neutral” or even traditional rather than a guide more focused on a specific path like Wicca or Witchcraft.
Books like The Tree of Life by Israel Regardie, Advanced Magick for Beginners by Alan Chapman, Modern Magick: Twelve Lessons in the High Magickal Arts by Donald Michael Kraig, and also the Quareia Course come close to what I have in mind, as they lay down a path and blend theoretical understanding with actionable practical steps aimed at spiritual development. However, I’d love to hear other possible suggestions from those with more experience on the subject.
Which would be the best books to build solid foundations in the Western Esoteric Occcult Tradition? I’d like to find a / some book(s) that help me first develop spiritual senses and skills, and then do some studying on the western occult tradition itself, this is why I was thinking about first starting out with Initiation into Hermetics and then focus on Agrippa or the book secret teachings from all ages, to get some good all around knowledge, what do you think?
If you’ve worked with any book that fits this description—and or any other books that you feel are a good/excellent introduction to the Western esoteric tradition and equips you with the skills that allow you to practically dive into more complex texts later on—I’d greatly appreciate your insights!
Thank you in advance for your suggestions and recommendations!
I’m sure this one comes up often, but I’m seeking recommendations for a beginner-friendly book that can serve as a solid introduction and foundation for exploring Western Esotericism / Occultism and Magick. Ideally, I’d like something that balances theory and practice—covering the most essential skills like meditation, breath work, visualization, energy work, divination, invocation, etc. It should also possibly provide a clear progression path (where you advance in steps), helping to build the psychic , spiritual and magical foundations needed to approach the more advanced / complex grimoires and the other more advanced magical traditions with confidence.
I’ve heard great things about Initiation into Hermetics by Franz Bardon, and I’m considering starting from there. It seems to cover much of what I’m looking for in terms of a structured and comprehensive all-around guide, but I’m unsure if it’s a book designed for beginners.
In the past, I worked partially through The Inner Temple of Witchcraft by Christopher Penczak, and I've also done some of the GoM ritual workings. I respect the traditional witchcraft tradition, but I’ve found that it wasn’t the best fit for me. I’m more interested in something rooted in the broader you Western Esoteric Tradition , something more “neutral” or even traditional rather than a guide more focused on a specific path like Wicca or Witchcraft.
Books like The Tree of Life by Israel Regardie, Advanced Magick for Beginners by Alan Chapman, Modern Magick: Twelve Lessons in the High Magickal Arts by Donald Michael Kraig, and also the Quareia Course come close to what I have in mind, as they lay down a path and blend theoretical understanding with actionable practical steps aimed at spiritual development. However, I’d love to hear other possible suggestions from those with more experience on the subject.
Which would be the best books to build solid foundations in the Western Esoteric Occcult Tradition? I’d like to find a / some book(s) that help me first develop spiritual senses and skills, and then do some studying on the western occult tradition itself, this is why I was thinking about first starting out with Initiation into Hermetics and then focus on Agrippa or the book secret teachings from all ages, to get some good all around knowledge, what do you think?
If you’ve worked with any book that fits this description—and or any other books that you feel are a good/excellent introduction to the Western esoteric tradition and equips you with the skills that allow you to practically dive into more complex texts later on—I’d greatly appreciate your insights!
Thank you in advance for your suggestions and recommendations!
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